If the turkey on your Thanksgiving table can just talk. This bird would like to be told how “exhausting” it is.
The concept that turkey tires us out has long been prevalent in the holiday season, and it’s not the only myth being shared year after year. Is canned pumpkin less nutritious than fresh one?Is it essential to sprinkle blueberries with sugar?
Here, we debunk those and the myths about the Thanksgiving meal, so you can serve the facts this year’s holidays.
Truth: Turkey meat contains L-tryptophan, which is an essential amino acid that helps produce serotonin, described as the “feel-good” hormone, and melatonin, which promotes sleep. turkey, really about four pounds, just, in one sitting, to make you sleepy,” says Miami-based registered dietitian nutritionist Roxana Ehsani.
So why do we fall asleep after breathing a big holiday party?”Probably because you consume gigantic amounts of carbohydrate-rich foods, like stuffed potatoes or mashed potatoes, muffins, cornbread, all desserts, maybe even some alcoholic beverages,” Ehsani says. “All of those things are going to cause blood sugar to spike and then an accident, which will lead to fatigue. “60 to 90 minutes after eating.
If you want to stay energized for this flag soccer match, opt for small portions, take breaks, then take a few seconds if you’re still hungry after 20 minutes and avoid eating once you’re full. Turkey, justified.
Truth: Canned foods tend to get a bad press. But new pumpkins and canned pumpkins are packed with nutrients, plus potassium, vitamin A, and iron, and are suitable for your pumpkin pie.
“You deserve to feel completely good about canned pumpkin,” says Keri Gans, a registered dietitian nutritionist founded in New York City. have. Research indicates that in addition to being nutritious, canned vegetables are cost-effective and have a long shelf life.
But don’t just grab the first pumpkin box you see — it’s vital to check the labels first, Gans says. Look for a pumpkin logo that is one hundred percent natural and contains no other ingredients, such as added sugars.
Truth: Blueberries are a Thanksgiving staple and because they are acidic, they are ready with giant amounts of sugar in dishes like cobblestones or cranberry sauce.
But here’s the good news: They don’t have to be sugar minefields. “A lot of other people don’t know it, but you can eat them raw, sugar-free,” Ehsani says. Yes, they will taste bitter, but the health benefits: blueberries are packed with nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, and magnesium.
Still, you don’t want to eat raw cranberries like peanuts. Instead, use them as dressings, stuff them into salads, or place them in cocktails. This can add a delicious and tasty touch to your food, says Ehsani.
It can also decrease the amount of sugar you use in your cranberry sauce and it will taste great.
Truth: There’s some truth to the concept that white meat is healthier, Gans says: It has fewer saturated fats and calories than dark meat. However, the differences are negligible.
According to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, 3 ounces of roast turkey dark meat provides 175 calories, 2. 49 grams of saturated fat and 114 mg of cholesterol. Light roast beef, on the other hand, has 150 calories, 1. 36 grams of saturated fat and 75. 6 mg of cholesterol.
Dark meat beats white meat when it comes to several nutrients: a 3-ounce serving contains slightly more iron, zinc, and selenium. So, nutritionally, it’s practically a wash.
“If you prefer meat to white meat, pass it on,” Gans says. “Let’s be honest, meat has more flavor. “
Truth: The sofa develops an almost magnetic charm after you’ve had your fill of mashed potatoes, soft cakes, and butter-soaked buns. But it’s “the worst time” to take a nap, Gans says. Digestive disorders such as heartburn and acid reflux, which you can best avoid with a state forty-five to 60 minutes after eating.
In addition, physical activity after meals has benefits. According to a study published earlier this year, a short walk, even two to five minutes, can lower blood sugar levels after a meal. a little, it’s definitely preferred,” says Ehsani. Get up, maybe clean the dishes, put away some food, and get some physical activity,” perhaps taking an outdoor tablemate to walk around the block.